Sgt. 1st Class Barry Jarvis, born Nov. 24, 1974, the son of Bill and Alma Jean Jarvis, was a “jack of all trades” and a “leader who took in newcomers and took care of them,” according to his brother and sister, Johnny Jarvis and Tressie James. Bill Jarvis now resides in Jacksonville, Fla.

Barry Jarvis graduated from Army basic training in May 1998 and “lived for the military and for Harley Davidson motorcycles,” his brother and sister said Wednesday. She added that her brother was “always the life of the party who could make a person laugh.”

He was primarily a cavalry scout, but had undergone training to become a drill sergeant “because he wanted to be home, close to his family,” James said. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., before deploying to Afghanistan Aug. 23. He has also served at Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Riley, Kan., Fort Lewis, Wash., and in Korea.

His wife, Tina Jarvis, posted a message on his Facebook page Wednesday: "Today is the day that they are bringing Barry home. He will be brought in at Dover Delaware at the airfield. I miss you so much Barry."

Jarvis is survived by his wife, Tina, and four children ranging in age from 2 to 17 years. Funeral arrangements were being handled by Huber Funeral Home and were pending the return of his body through Dover Air Force Base, Del. He was to be buried at Deer Creek Cemetery.

Sergeant 1st Class Barry Edward Jarvis, 36, of Tell City, IN, was a Cavalry Scout who joined the Army in May 1999 and arrived at Fort Campbell in May 2009. His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Drill Sergeant Identification Badge; Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Jarvis is survived by his wife, Tina L. Jarvis; daughters, Kitaira and Aleesha Jarvis and sons, Donovan and William, all of Clarksville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his parents, William Jarvis of Atlantic Beach, FL and Alma Jarvis of Tell City, IN.